Sunday, April 06, 2008

1 . Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked .Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others'affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that ourway is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who donot conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to theright direction, our direction. This thinking denies the existence ofindividuality and consequently the existence of God. God has createdeach one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or actin exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do becauseGod within them prompts them that way. There is God to look aftereverything. Why are you bothered? Mind your own business and you willkeep Your peace.

2. Forgive And Forget.This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop illfeelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us.We nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep,development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult orinjury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever byconstantly remembering it. Get over this bad habit. Believe in thejustice of God and the doctrine of Karma. Let Him judge the act of theone who insulted you. Life is too short to waste in such trifles.Forgive, Forget, and march on. Love flourishes in giving andforgiving.

3. Do Not Crave For Recognition.This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybodywithout selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are inpower, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget yourachievement and will start finding faults in you. Why do you wish tokill yourself in striving for their recognition? Their recognition isnot worth the aggravation. Do your duties ethically and sincerely andleave the rest to God.

4. Do Not Be Jealous.We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind.You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, butsometimes they get promotions; you do not. You started a businessseveral years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighborwhose business is only one year old. There are several examples likethese in everyday life. Should you be jealous? No. Remembereverybody's life is shaped by his or her previous Karma, which has nowbecome his destiny. If you are destined to be rich, nothing in theworld can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help youeither. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune.Jealousy will not get you anywhere; it will only take away your peaceof mind.

5. Change Yourself According To The Environment.If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances areyou will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment. Asyou do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you,will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious .

6 . Endure What Cannot Be Cured.This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Everyday we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, andaccidents that are beyond our control. If we cannot control them orchange them, we must learn to put up with these things. We must learnto endure them cheerfully thinking, "God wills it so, so be it." God'splan is beyond our comprehension. Believe in it and you will gain interms of patience, inner strength and will power.

7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew.This maxim needs to be remembered constantly. We often tend to takemore responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out. This isdone to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. Why take on additionalloads that may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind byexpanding your external activities. Reduce your material engagementsand spend time in prayer, introspection and meditation. This willreduce those thoughts in your mind that make you restless. Unclutteredmind will produce greater peace of mind.

8. Meditate Regularly.Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts. This isthe highest state of peace of mind. Try and experience it yourself. Ifyou meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, your mind will tendto become peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and half-hours.Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before. You wouldbenefit by gradually increasing the period of daily mediation. You maythink that this will interfere with your daily work. On the contrary,this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to producebetter results in less time.

9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant.An empty mind is the devil's workshop. All evil actions start in thevacant mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, somethingworthwhile. Actively follow a hobby. Do something that holds yourinterest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work or temple work, may not always earn youmore money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement.Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthyreading or mental chanting of God's name.

10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret.Do not waste time in protracted wondering "Should I or shouldn't I?"Days, weeks, months, and years may be wasted in that futile mentaldebating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipateall future happenings. Always remember, God has His own plan, too foryou. Value your time and do the things that need to be done. It doesnot matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from yourmistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying willlead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over thepast. DO NOT REGRET. Whatever happened was destined to happen onlythat way. Take it as the Will of God. You do not have the power toalter the course of God's Will. Why cry over spilt milk?